Sunday, May 28, 2006

May 27

Big Boys … Do Cry?

Then Jesus wept.


John 11:35 (NLT)


The children raced around the far side of the suburban ranch house—its many bricks a red blur as they giggled and shrieked. Their small feet pounded the lush, green of the huge summer lawn as their pursuers closed on them. They needed a safe spot … and fast! As the old wooden tool shed popped into view, the five kids hustled with a burst of speed. Their happy faces glistened with perspiration as they looked over their shoulders one last time. More squeals. Their hearts pounded as they bolted single file up the short plank ramp, squeezed into the dark space, and slammed the door shut. It latched.

“Ahhhhhhhh, my thumb, my thumb!” The hurt in the boy’s hushed voice pierced the dark silencing the kids inside. By now their pursuers had stormed the plank and crowded the door.

“Let us out! Let us out! He’s hurt! He’s hurt!” a girl begged.

The door opened freeing the boy’s hand and flooding the shed with bright July sunshine. The young boy held out his right thumb—now a throbbing, purple extension.

“Wow, that’s gotta hurt.”

After a series of oos and ahs, the entire troop marched the boy to his mom sitting out front, one of many women relaxing in lawn chairs, enjoying a good chat. They huddled all around as she inspected the damage.

As his mother comforted him, another woman commented, “Why look, he’s not even crying. What a big boy he is!”

It was a day he never forgot. It was the day he learned that big boys don’t cry, and it stunted his growth.

You see, I was that boy, and I believed her insinuation.

It took years to unlearn, but reading this verse proved it to me. Look at Jesus Christ, the God-man, the one perfect human being. He cried. He was moved deep within. He connected with people and their pain. He had emotions just like us and the tears flowed.

As I read more about Jesus, the more I want to be like Him, and so should you. It’s time we got real with ourselves and each other. It’s time to open our hearts and share each other's pain. Do you feel a good cry coming? Let it come. Jesus did.


Father, Jesus was perfect, and yet, He cried. Teach me through His tears. Teach me through mine … and draw me close… to You … to others. Amen.